You'll like the xcountry Maggie. My wife has done 50,000 ks on hers in the last couple of years on dirt and sand and whatever and it has been great. With the rotax motor it has to be one of the most under estimated bikes for shorter riders.
have fun.

Im wondering if a long epic trip could not have been made just as well, if not better, with more of the stock set-up.

That big skinny front wheel is good for rolling over very rough terrain but for a variety of broken asphalt and dirt roads, I like the 19 inch. Handles better on hard surface and gives more traction too.

I admire this effort. Do it while you can ! No kids or entanglements of life to hold you back is a good time.